Criminology and Criminal Justice

Bachelor of Science

Become a better practitioner by studying criminological theory, the justice system and law.

You’ll develop the knowledge, skills and ethical training that are essential for pursuing a career in law enforcement, corrections, the legal system, probation and parole, or a variety of social service agencies. This program also prepares you for graduate studies in law, criminology, or public policy and administration.

The Curriculum
Understand society, crime, and justice

By studying human behavior and social institutions, you’ll get a complete picture of the causes of criminal behavior and crime’s impact on society. You’ll learn how the criminal justice system is made up of several agencies, each with its own important function and how they work together. You’ll study:

  • Policing
  • Judicial processes
  • Corrections
  • Forensics
  • Law
  • Victimology
  • Crime research and statistics
  • Public policy
  • Theories of crime and criminality
Learn from different fields

Excelling in the criminal justice system or a related field requires a background in several different subjects. Your studies will incorporate theory, research, and practical applications with an emphasis on understanding crime and criminal behavior, criminal justice systems, as well as criminal and constitutional law. Your major will be enhanced with foundational courses that draw from:

  • Sociology
  • Political science
  • Psychology
  • Global studies
  • Public policy and administration
Gain field experience

As a requirement of the major, you’ll complete an internship in a criminal justice or related agency. This opportunity — combined with your coursework that involves service learning, research projects, and field trips to justice agencies — will give you direct experience with the day-to-day operations of the criminal justice system. One of our most popular experiential learning experiences includes the Inside-Out Prison Exchange program, where students have an opportunity to take a college course alongside inmate classmates in a correctional facility.

Be a strong, ethical leader

Today’s competitive job market and our global society require leaders who think critically, communicate clearly, and find ethical solutions to complex problems. Our classes are designed to incorporate these crucial skills throughout your coursework, rather than addressed in separate courses.



Programs

Offered as a major (BS).


Recommended Minors

Want to add even more value to your degree? Consider one of these minors to gain a unique combination of skills and perspectives.


The Experience

From the very first ‘Intro to Criminal Justice’ course to the final ‘Criminal Justice Capstone’ course, my interest and conviction for pursuing a career in this field have only been reinvigorated with every course, experiential learning opportunity, and interaction with the diverse group of educators, guest lecturers and working professionals that I’ve had the pleasure to engage with. This department provided me with many opportunities to take agency over my learning experiences while offering support and guidance to forge the path that best fits my needs.

Olivia Lassa ’21

This major allowed me to learn a lot about my interests and what aspect of the criminal justice system I wanted to be a part of. Learning about topics like rehabilitation and reentry allowed me to fine-tune my understanding and interest in helping underserved communities and getting them the resources and help they deserve.

Victoria Sanchez '23

Your Future

Majority of our criminology and criminal justice majors secure employment in the field after graduation or go on to graduate school or law school. While most graduates are employed in a criminal justice agency, such as law enforcement or probation, many also find employment in government agencies, nonprofits, and in private sector organizations such as insurance carriers and victim services.


Our alumni study at:
  • California Western School of Law
  • Columbia University
  • George Mason University School of Law
  • Indiana University, Bloomington
  • Loyola Law School
  • Northeastern University
  • Pepperdine Law School
  • San Diego State University
  • University of California, Davis
  • University of California, Irvine
  • University of Delaware
  • University of Denver
  • University of Nevada, Reno
  • University of Southern California
Our alumni work for:
  • Beverly Hills Police Department
  • Casa Pacifica Children Services
  • Department of Public Safety
  • FBI Cyber Division
  • Interface Children & Family Services
  • Los Angeles Police Department
  • Oxnard Police Department
  • San Diego Police Department
  • Santa Barbara Police Department
  • Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office
  • Simi Valley Police Department
  • United States Customs
  • University Campus Safety Departments
  • Ventura County Probation Agency
  • Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Crime Analyst Division
Career paths:
  • Border Patrol and Immigration Officer
  • Correctional Officer
  • Crime Analyst
  • Criminal Investigator
  • Customs Inspector
  • Juvenile Justice Officer
  • Law Enforcement (local, county and federal levels)
  • Lawyer
  • Legal Assistant
  • Park Ranger
  • Parole and Probation Officer
  • Professor
  • Researcher
  • Social Worker
  • U.S. Customs Agent
  • Victim Advocacy and Social Services

of Cal Lutheran graduates find a job or enroll in graduate school within nine months

More Career Outcomes



The Criminology and Criminal Justice program has set me up for success not only from its curriculum, but also with all the opportunities I had outside the classroom: sitting in on preliminary hearings, going on a California Highway Patrol helicopter ride along, and encouraging me to pursue leadership roles. Some key skills I learned in the program that are critical to my current role include the ability to decipher regulations into common language and link observations on vessel examinations to U.S. and international regulations.

Bradley Edens '19
Criminology and Criminal Justice Major
Officer, Apprentice Marine Inspector, United States Coast Guard

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